Hugh Freeze made it clear this offseason that the dropback passing game needed work, and what better time to test it than against an overmatched opponent? Auburn didn’t run up the score like Florida State or Alabama did, but that was by design. Instead, Arnold was tasked with proving he could read defenses, go through progressions, and stay patient. The results? 24-of-28, three touchdowns, no turnovers. That’s efficient, that’s accurate, and that’s the type of play Auburn will need in Norman against Oklahoma.

Fans also saw Eric Singleton flash his speed with a touchdown, Horatio Fields provide reliable hands, and Malcolm Simmons make defenders look silly in the open field. Auburn has assembled one of the most athletic receiver groups in recent memory. The scary part? They’re just scratching the surface.

This isn’t just about highlights; it’s about balance. Auburn went nearly 50/50 run-pass against Ball State, proving that when the time comes, they can adjust to whatever defenses throw at them. The road ahead is brutal—Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Georgia—but if Arnold keeps protecting the football and Coleman keeps getting 8-10 targets per game, Auburn’s ceiling is sky-high.